Easy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is a delightful marriage of two culinary worlds: the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce and the bold, zesty kick of Cajun seasoning. This dish effortlessly combines succulent chicken and tender shrimp, all coated in a velvety Cajun Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or a pasta enthusiast, this recipe offers a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes. The robust flavors and satisfying textures make it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner routine.

Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

This dish strikes the perfect balance between heartiness and comfort. The combination of chicken and shrimp provides a satisfying mix of proteins, giving the dish a depth of flavor that seafood and meat lovers will both appreciate. Additionally, the ease of preparation makes Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo the perfect weeknight meal.

The true star of this dish, however, is the Cajun-inspired sauce. Its spicy, smoky kick adds an exciting contrast to the rich creaminess of the Alfredo, transforming an ordinary pasta dish into something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or enjoying it on a quiet evening, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

To bring this mouthwatering dish to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pasta: While you can use any pasta you prefer, fettuccine is the traditional choice for this dish, thanks to its broad, flat shape that holds the rich Alfredo sauce perfectly.

Chicken:
Tender chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, serve as the perfect protein companion to the shrimp. Make sure the chicken is seasoned well for the optimal flavor profile.

Shrimp: Frozen 31/40 count shrimp is ideal for this recipe. These large shrimp are easy to thaw, cook quickly, and provide that essential seafood element that pairs beautifully with the Cajun seasoning.

Seasoning: A blend of garlic powder, minced garlic, and a low-sodium or no-salt Cajun seasoning forms the base for the flavorful coating on both the chicken and shrimp.

Oils: Olive oil and butter create a rich cooking medium for both proteins. Olive oil is used for searing the shrimp and chicken, while butter enhances the flavor and richness of the sauce.

Sauce Base: A combination of heavy cream and cream cheese forms the decadent base for the Alfredo sauce, creating a silky, smooth texture that envelops the pasta and proteins.

Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the final touch that adds saltiness and depth to the sauce, ensuring the perfect balance between creamy and savory.

Helpful Tips

• Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before incorporating it into the sauce. This ensures a smooth, lump-free texture as it melts into the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: Use a low-sodium or no-salt Cajun seasoning to control the salt levels in the dish. You can always add more seasoning to taste, but starting with a lower-salt variety helps maintain a balanced flavor.

How To Make Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Preparation: Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, thaw and prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them, if necessary. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season both the chicken and shrimp with garlic powder and half of the Cajun seasoning.

Cooking the Shrimp and Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Making the Sauce: To the same skillet, add butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has fully melted and the mixture begins to combine into a smooth sauce. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and minced garlic, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken to your desired consistency. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a rich, velvety finish.

Final Steps: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, and stir to coat them with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt if necessary. Once everything is well-mixed, toss the sauce and proteins with the drained pasta, ensuring each strand is covered in the flavorful sauce.

Tools for This Recipe

• Zester: A zester will help you grate Parmesan cheese finely for a smoother incorporation into the sauce.
• Large Skillet: A wide skillet is essential for cooking both the chicken and shrimp in one pan.
• Garlic Press (Optional): For a more intense garlic flavor, a garlic press can be used to finely mince the garlic.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can easily swap it out for the raw chicken breasts. Just add it to the pan after the sauce has thickened to heat through.
• Extra Spice: For those who like their dishes spicier, adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce will ramp up the heat and complement the Cajun seasoning.
• Cajun Alfredo Sauce: If you’re just craving the Cajun Alfredo Sauce, you can make it on its own and serve it with other pasta or proteins.

What to Serve with Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

• Fresh Parsley and Lemon Juice: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color, while a squeeze of lemon juice brings a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy sauce.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The light acidity will balance the heaviness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: A side of crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the leftover Cajun Alfredo sauce.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

• Explore other pasta dishes on the blog, like creamy pesto pasta, garlic butter shrimp pasta, or a hearty spaghetti bolognese for more dinner inspiration.

FAQ

What is the difference between chicken Alfredo and fettuccine Alfredo?

Chicken Alfredo typically includes chicken as the protein, while fettuccine Alfredo refers to the specific type of pasta used in the dish.

What goes well with shrimp Alfredo?

Side dishes like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair wonderfully with shrimp Alfredo.

What is shrimp Alfredo made of?

Shrimp Alfredo is made with shrimp, pasta, a creamy Alfredo sauce (typically heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese), and seasonings.

What is the best way to reheat this pasta?

To reheat, warm it in a skillet with a bit of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

What’s in the Cajun pasta at Chili’s?

Chili’s Cajun pasta typically contains a Cajun-spiced pasta base, shrimp or chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce.

Is Cajun pasta spicy?

Yes, Cajun pasta tends to have a spicy kick due to the use of Cajun seasoning and other spicy ingredients.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is a standout dish that brings bold flavors and creamy goodness to the table. The fusion of Cajun spices and rich Alfredo sauce creates a unique and irresistible flavor profile, making this dish a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it promises to impress. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect blend of spice, cream, and flavor!